400sbc vs. 506 + bbc

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Jul 11, 2006 | 07:00 PM

#21

Corvette Kid

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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die

St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Dave

Logic = save some weight on one part to make up for the addition by the other. Seems pretty logical to me. Or perhaps the lighter hood is to gain some room.

Like I said on D2M, I'd go for it with the BBC. Especially if drag racing is your main goal. I had a buddy with a 57 Vette and a 454 with a MILD cam that rans mid 7's at Powerhouse (Breakaway).

I fully understand the concept but if the goal is a C4 that radical, why not start with an aftermarket body and build or buy a race chassis. It would be much easier in the long run than butchering a stock one and then still need to build a suitable chassis underneath it to make it all work. Since a ridiculous amount of power is already obtainable from a small block even w/o going FI, it seems to me that the big block is just

unless you're just more interested in the 'wow' factor when you open the hood instead of in building a serious race car.

Jul 13, 2006 | 03:23 PM

#22

cemittar

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From: Panama City Florida

I like "wow" this isn`t about building the "best" or "fastest" corvette ever. This is about building a childhood dream car. Just some thing I have allways wanted to have. I might not even be able to do it. That is why I am looking for the advise from you guys that have "been there, done that" I have allways had ford`s and imports and this is my first vette so I am by no means an "expert" so please excuse me if I ask a "stupid" question to you guys. I just want to do it right the first time.

Jul 13, 2006 | 04:50 PM

#23

LTxDave

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From: Marianna FL

Its amazing to me when someone says that a big block chevy is for wow factor and not for a 'serious race car'. Give me a break.

Jul 13, 2006 | 05:11 PM

#24

Corvette Kid

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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die

St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07

Quote:

Originally Posted by cemittar

I certainly never meant to imply it was a stupid question, But personally, I don't see the need since it's now possible to build a 454 CI small block. My machine shop was working on one for someone recently when I had the prep work done there for my latest engine. I used to drag race way back when and if I were building a bracket car now, I'd probably still go big-block, but not if it was a C4. To me it's just not practical but that's just my opinion. If this is what you really want to do, then go for it. Nobody ever said hotrodding was about practicality anyway. But just so you know, it's quite a bit of hassle in these cars. But the more it's stripped and gutted, the easier it will become, I suppose. I'm just not sure it's worth the trouble just because you got a free engine. The 'free' part will evaporate real fast from this point on. Good luck, no matter what you decide.

Jul 13, 2006 | 05:24 PM

#25

Fubar569

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From: Bradford Pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corvette Kid

I certainly never meant to imply it was a stupid question, But personally, I don't see the need since it's now possible to build a 454 CI small block. My machine shop was working on one for someone recently when I had the prep work done there for my latest engine. I used to drag race way back when and if I were building a bracket car now, I'd probably still go big-block, but not if it was a C4. To me it's just not practical but that's just my opinion. If this is what you really want to do, then go for it. Nobody ever said hotrodding was about practicality anyway. But just so you know, it's quite a bit of hassle in these cars. But the more it's stripped and gutted, the easier it will become, I suppose. I'm just not sure it's worth the trouble just because you got a free engine. The 'free' part will evaporate real fast from this point on. Good luck, no matter what you decide.

ain't that the truth...lol

Jul 13, 2006 | 06:37 PM

#26

cemittar

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From: Panama City Florida

and now I find out that the local machine shop here in my town does not line bore or convert 2 bolt blocks to 4 bolt anymore. Now I`m running out of options. Don`t want to buy crate motor and a bare merline or dart is just to pricy

Jul 13, 2006 | 06:45 PM

#27

Fubar569

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From: Bradford Pa

you are picking the right block to start a wild and crazy buildup. splayed caps will always be stronger, however you must have the caps before you send the block off to them...

my suggestion? find a shop within a "reasonable distance" that will do this for you. if they can't handle line bore and splayed caps, you shouldn't be taking your motor there...

Jul 13, 2006 | 06:45 PM

#28

LTxDave

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From: Marianna FL

I bet Panhandle Performance could do that for you, if you could get them to work on a Chevy. If not, there are several places here in Pensacola that can do that type of work.